Behind The Advisor
Business & Finance
About
Behind the Advisor, an XYPN Podcast, takes you behind the scenes of what it really takes to launch, run, and grow a successful fee-only financial planning firm. Through candid conversations with industry leaders and real-life advisors, we uncover the challenges, victories, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this podcast delivers the front-line insights and actionable strategies you need to build a thriving, purpose-driven firm—on your terms.
Episodes
- Ep #414: From Set to CFP®: Reinventing Your Career From Scratch
Greg Vojtanek transitioned from acting to founding Fade In Financial, a firm designed for entertainment creatives with variable incomes. He discusses the career change, identifying a niche market, and the value of personal experience in bu…
- Ep #413: XYPN's 2025 Benchmarking Study Highlights LIVE
Alan Moore and Michael Kitces present findings from XYPN's 2025 Benchmarking Study, sharing data on growing a fee-only firm. Topics include early challenges, fee structures, hiring practices, and the importance of CFP® certification, based…
- Ep #412: Scaling Smart: Building a High-Growth Firm for Entrepreneurs
David Flores Wilson details his firm's rapid growth on Behind the Advisor, emphasizing a strategic focus on entrepreneurs, community building, and maintaining the human element in financial planning, offering practical advice for practice…
- Ep #411: Growing Through Change: Building a Balanced Financial Practice
In this episode, Dan Slagle of Fyooz Financial Planning shares insights on growing a financial practice through change, emphasizing work-life balance, client focus, and setting fees.
- Ep #410: Laying the Groundwork: How Financial Coaches Strengthen Advisory Relationships
In this episode, Monica Scudieri explains how financial coaches help clients build stability and confidence, thereby strengthening their relationships with financial advisors. The discussion covers the distinctions between coaching and adv…
- Ep #409: From Zero to Traction: Launching a Lean, Fast-Moving Firm
Ryan Johnson launched Hundred Financial Planning with no clients, limited experience, and a tough regulatory environment. In this episode, he shares how XYPN's Sapphire model helped him move fast, stay lean, and build a firm that truly fit…
- Ep #408: Coming Full Circle: Relaunching a Purpose-Driven Firm
Leaving entrepreneurship doesn't mean leaving the industry for good. In this episode, Nannette Kamien, founder of Inspiration Financial Planning, shares her journey of launching, pausing, and eventually relaunching her firm nearly a decade…
- Ep #407: A Decade of Building XYPN from the Inside Out
In this special episode of Behind The Advisor, Alan Moore interviews Maddy Roche, XYPN's first employee and longtime podcast host, as she prepares to depart after nearly 11 years. From her start as the "Director of Getting Sh!t Done" to be…
- Ep #406: Navigating the Transition: How XYPN Sapphire Simplifies Going Solo
Going independent doesn't mean doing it alone. In this episode, Brian Muller, founder of Momentous Wealth Advisors, shares his journey through the RIA transition and how XYPN Sapphire helped him navigate compliance, operations, and client…
- Ep #405: The Art of Client Onboarding: Creating Exceptional Experiences Through Automation
On this episode of Behind the Advisor, I'm thrilled to chat with Libby Greiwe, founder of The Efficient Advisor, about the power of a well-designed and automated client onboarding process. During our conversation, Libby breaks down her thr…
- Ep #404: Building a Purpose-Driven Practice in Three Months
XYPN Radio is excited to welcome Rob Brown, founder of Truest Fan Coaching, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Rob is an expert coach for RIA owners, helping them uncover their purpose and build businesses that align with…
- Ep #403: Mastering Short-Form Video Marketing with Nate Hoskin and Nick Meyer
On this episode of XYPN Radio I'm thrilled to chat with Nate Hoskin and Nick Meyer, two CFP® professionals based in Denver and co-founders of the N2 Content Marketing Group. Together we unpack the power of short-form video marketing for ad…
- Ep #402: Work-Life Integration, Fulfillment, and Building Your Dream Firm with Kristin Harad
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Kristin Harad—coach, former financial advisor, and marketing expert—for an inspiring conversation about personal and professional growth. You can find show notes and more information by visit…
- Ep #401: Mindfulness, Freedom, and a Fiduciary Driven Civilization with George Kinder and Lora Woodward
XYPN Radio is thrilled to welcome back George Kinder, founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, and Lora Woodward, the Institute's COO, for an inspiring conversation. It's been a few years since they last joined us in 2020, and thi…
- Ep #400: XYPN's 2024 Benchmarking Study Highlights LIVE
What's the real trajectory of an RIA? How early should you start hiring, and is a niche worth it? Co-Founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces hit the stage at XYPN LIVE 2024 to discuss insights from the seventh-annual Benchmarking Study on e…
- Ep #399: Redefining Success In Your Financial Planning Firm
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome Brenna Baucum, founder of Collective Wealth Planning. Just 21 months after launching her firm in Salem, Oregon, Brenna has already reached significant milestones, with 21 clients and $21 million in…
- Ep #398: Supporting Childfree Clients with Financial Planning and Beyond
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Jay Zigmont, founder of Childfree Wealth®, and Bri Conn, the firm's Chief Experience Officer, to dive into the unique financial planning needs of childfree individuals. You can find show note…
- Ep #397: Empowering Internationally Born Clients Through Financial Planning
In this episode, we sit down with Jane Mepham, CFP®, Founder and CEO of Elgon Financial Advisors, a fee-only firm based in Austin, Texas that specializes in serving foreign-born individuals. Originally from Kenya, Jane shares her journey o…
- Ep #396: Leading a Growing Advisory Firm with Nathan Donohue
In this episode of XYPN Radio, I chat with Nathan Donohue, co-founder and partner at Consilio Wealth Advisors, a fee-only firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Nathan shares his experience transitioning his team from a broker-dealer to an RIA…
- Ep #395: Attracting and Retaining Top Advisors with Caleb Brown
We dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey, discussing the realities of training and mentoring talent, and the inevitable challenge of team members moving on. We explore how perfecting your firm's story, values and mission not only draw…
- Ep #394: How to Lead a Passion-Driven Ensemble Firm: An Interview with Jason Speciner
In this episode, we welcome Jason Speciner, founder and CEO of Financial Planning Fort Collins, or FPFoCo, a comprehensive financial planning and tax preparation firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jason, who last appeared on the show in…
- Ep #393: How Focusing on a Niche Allows You to Love Your Work: An Interview with Ashley Foster
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Ashley Foster, CFP®, founder of NXT:GEN Financial Planning. You might remember Ashley from Episode 321 in 2021, where he shared his journey transitioning from the insurance industry to the fee…
- Ep #392: Making The Transition From a Broker Dealer to Launching Your RIA
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Jamie Lima, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA, an XYPN Ambassador, and the founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions, two virtual firms. Jamie's journey is a testament to his entrep…
- Ep #391: Taking Risks and Loving the Process - How the Valor Team scaled to over 100 Clients
In today's episode of XYPN Radio I am thrilled to have Ed Smith and Amanda Lique of Valor Wealth Partners on the show. Valor Wealth Partners specializes in serving civilian federal employees and handling their complex financial situations.…
- Ep #390: Leveraging Lived Experience to Serve Business Owners
In today's episode we are joined by John Bovard, CFP®, founder and CEO of Incline Wealth Advisors, a thriving wealth management firm based in Cincinnati. John launched his firm in 2020, just before the pandemic, and has impressively grown…
- Ep #389: Going Full-time as a Solopreneur with Linden Cornett
We are thrilled to welcome back Linden Cornett, the founder of Seagrass Financial. Linden holds the honor of being the first guest to return three times over our eight-year journey at XYPN Radio. Many recent guests have mentioned Linden as…
- Ep #388: Unlocking the Power of a Partnership, The Evolution of AVID Planning with Jack Arnold and David Harpool
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we are thrilled to welcome back Jack Arnold, CFP®, and David Harpool, AAMS®, founders of AVID Planning in St. Petersburg, Florida. Having first joined us in January 2022 on XYPN Radio Episode 326, Jack and Da…
- Ep #387: Balancing Motherhood and Management While Scaling an RIA: With Rebecca Conner
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Rebecca Conner, CFP®, founder of SeedSafe Financial. Rebecca shares how she has evolved SeedSafe from a lifestyle practice into a firm that now serves over 90 ongoing clients with a team of fi…
- Ep #386: Level Up Your Client Engagement Game with Elements' Revolutionary Diagnostic Tool
On today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome XYPN member, Reese Harper, CFP ®, and Carl Richards, CFP ®, to XYPN Radio. These innovative minds are behind the cutting-edge technology called Elements, XYPN's newest technology partner. We'l…
- Ep #385: XYPN From "NextGen" to the "NextTen:" A Growth Story
In this special edition of XYPN Radio, co-founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces join me to celebrate 10 years of XYPN. We reminisce about the early days, including how they met, the initial emails about opportunities for financial planner…
- Ep #384: How to Sell Your Value and Other Lessons Learned from Running a Solo Practice for 25 Years with Cathy Curtis
I'm honored to have Cathy Curtis, CFP®, founder of Curtis Financial Planning, back on XYPN Radio. It's been nearly three years since she last joined, and this time, we discuss the technological enhancements she's made, including her use of…
- Ep #383: Grow Your Firm Faster by Leveraging Your Former Career with Mike Zung, CFP®
Today we welcome Mike Zung, CFP®, founder of Java Wealth Planning, an RIA based in Kansas City, Missouri to XYPN Radio. Mike shares insights into his journey from launching his firm part-time while still working in software development, to…
- Ep #382: Leveraging Your Wirehouse Experience to Shape the Foundation of Your Fee-only Firm
In this episode, Maddy Roche returns as the full-time host of XYPN Radio, joined by Jennifer Kang, CFP®, founder of JWK Financial. Jennifer shares how she leveraged two decades of experience in a large wirehouse to establish her fee-only,…
- Ep #381: The Power of YouTube: Strategies for Building Your Clientele
This special episode of XYPN Radio will be Alan's last episode before turning the podcast over to Maddy Roche! Alan talks about the transition before diving into a special episode with Patrick King, founder of Prana Wealth Management in At…
- Ep #380: Cultivating Empathy in Finance: Catching up with Tara Tussing Unverzagt
Explore Tara Tussing Unverzagt's innovative approach to financial planning. Tara's path to success involves leveraging her expertise as a certified financial therapist and prioritizing accessibility in her services. In this conversation, T…
- Ep #379: Niche Mastery: How to authentically target your audience with Lindsey Young
Embracing your authentic self can be terrifying, but our guest today took the leap and built an amazingly successful RIA by connecting with her niche. Our guest today, Lindsey Young, CFP®, and founder of Quiet wealth, shares shares her jou…
- Ep #378: Building Prosp(a)rity & Bridging the Wealth Divide
Join us this week as we explore Prosp(a)rity, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing, uplifting, and advancing Black women, and ultimately positioning them to pay it forward to their communities and next generations. Bri Franklin, Co-Founder…
- Ep #377: Firm In Flux: How Buyout and Reinvention Can Kick Start an RIA
Matt Miner, founder of Miner Wealth Management and an XYPN member, joins us on the show today. After starting his career in corporate finance and earning an MBA, Matt worked with John Deere until a merger-related layoff prompted a career c…
- Ep #376 Mind Over Money: How One RIA Owner Is Crafting A New Narrative In Finance
Maggie Klokkenga shares her insights into her client engagement process, which involves 8 to 10 one-hour-long meetings over several weeks, and the positive outcomes she's witnessed. You can find show notes and more information by visiting…
- Ep #375: Building Eden: Exploring The Heart Of Year One In A New RIA
Many of our recent guests have discussed how things are 2,3, 4 years after starting. But what about when you're in the thick of it? Our guest today, Nycole Freer, founder of Eden Financial is only 8 months into her solo RIA journey and tel…
- Ep #374: When Your Life Partner Makes for the Best Business Partner
Join us on this episode of XYPN Radio as we introduce you to Tim and Alexis Woodward, co-founders of Blend Wealth. These financial planners decided to blend not just their lives but also their financial expertise, serving blended families…
- Ep #373: XYPN's 2023 Benchmarking Study Highlights LIVE
What does it look like to scale your RIA and how long does it take? How big of an impact does it really make to have a niche? When should you start hiring, and who should it be when you do? Co-Founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces met ons…
- Ep #372: How To Find Success While Doing the Next Right Thing
Doing the right thing in the financial world often involves speaking up and knowing when to go your own way. This is in no way an easy thing, but has time and time again been a source of joy for advisors. Our guest today, Mike Kelly, CFA®,…
- Ep #371: How Life's Detours Can Support Your Dream Job
Your RIA journey isn't just an upwards climb from where you are to where you want to be. It can include things like a family, embracing other opportunities, and teaming up with a friend. In today's episode, we reconnect with Natalie Taylor…
- Ep #370: Mastering the RIA Transition from CIO to Successful Founder
Our guest moved up the corporate ladder to become CIO at 2 different large RIA's. Even from the top, there is just no replacing the freedom and flexibility that owning your own business can provide for both you and your clients. Terri Spat…
- Ep #369: Empowering Your Finances: Lessons from Ministry to Money Management
From youth ministry to personal finance, Jeff Clark's journey wasn't simple. In his church, Jeff offered to help his peers with their finances, but soon had the attention of a congregation also in need! Following this path, he found himsel…
- Ep #368: Unchaining Student Loan Repayment: New Laws Are Reshaping How We Serve Clients
Not only are students of all ages needing financial guidance, the solutions available to them can completely change the way we look at student loan repayment and consolidation. In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Eri…
- Ep #367: How Resilience and Community Paved a Path to Success With Leland Gross
We often hear how the network of support and connection that XYPN offers is a strong component of success. In today's episode, we learn that for our guest, Leland Gross, CFP®, the founder of PeaceLink Financial Planning, "community" wasn't…
- Ep #366: When Taking Custody and Engaging Virtual Assistance is Right For Your RIA With Kate Yearwood Young
If you're wondering whether taking custody of client accounts and a virtual assistant is right for your independent advisory firm, this episode's for you! Taking custody can be a scary decision, but sometimes it's the right one. Just ask X…
- Ep #365: How to Mine the Market to Find & Maximize Your Niche With Marlon Wesh
If you are interested in learning highly effective, yet simple ways to use data-driven market research to find and maximize your niche, this episode is for you! In this candid and informative conversation with XYPN member Marlon Wesh, MBA,…